May 14, 2009

This past weekend one of my husband’s co-workers passed away. He was in his 50’s, in seemingly good health and fit. It made me think of all the professionals I know that spend 10 or more hours a day, not including their commute, in the prime of their lives (their 30’s) and the youth of their children’s lives, at an office away from their families. Many miss important milestones hoping that some day, all their hard work will pay off and some day they will have time to relax, travel and experience fun. Some day typically means retirement.

I have to ask…… why? At the end of the day, the golden years often aren’t very golden. In fact, if we are lucky enough to make it to retirement, not having been stopped by the two biggest killers in the US heart disease or cancer, we will likely not have the energy or the money to just do what we want. Why wait until our kids have kids to enjoy spending time with a child?

I say work less now, pare down expenses to live on less, take time out for our children now while they are young and developing, take time to travel now while you can enjoy the experience without fear of health issues and fixed incomes weighing on your minds.

I hate to break the bad news but you can’t bank time and experiences to be saved up and used when you are ready for them. You either live now….or you don’t.